Monday, July 19, 2010

It's official. Got the MRI results today and I have a metatarsal stress fracture. Good news--I can still swim and bike. Bad news--can't run for 4-6 weeks, which puts me out of the "running" for the Savage Half Iron Man. Again. However, since I can still compete in the swim and bike legs, I was able to switch my registration to the aquavelo. First a duathlon, now an aquavelo--adding all kinds of new experiences!

Sunday, July 18, 2010

What do you get when you cross a bicycle going 40 mph with a huge deer dashing into the road? I came within an arm's length of finding out today! "Deer collision" was almost added to my cycling file on animal encounters (manic dog, hungry vulture, road kill, skunk, bug death, bee sting; the animals seem to keep getting... bigger!) Today's ride: 3 hours, 47 (hot--100!--and hilly) miles, two Hammer Gels, and 112 oz of fluid.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Biking in the rain. Again. It didn't rain forever and lately every time I get on my bike, down it comes! (Am I actually cycling or doing some type of 2-wheeled rain dance?) So, next time your yard is looking parched, put down the hose give me a call. I'll head out on my bike;it'll be sure to rain!

Got my new cassette--sweet! (What hills?!?) Focus is moving from speed to increased distance and inclines. Probably a good thing--after high-speed wipeout into oncoming traffic and fishtailing down steep, wet hills, I seem to have lost the agressive piece of my backbone! For now. ;)

Monday, July 12, 2010

I haven't written in a while. Since school ended for the summer, I've had a lot of quality time with my girls, but little time for anything else.

First triathlon of the season was a success! The South Carroll Tri to Win Sprint Triathlon was on Father's Day. I took 10 minutes off my time from last year and finished 2nd in my division.

A week later, my foot was hurting again--with a new problem this time. Pain on the top of the left foot. A few more runs in and I was benched again for a week. Managed to squeak in a few more two-milers before the next triathlon . . .

Diamond in the Rough Triathlon (DITRT) was this weekend. A thunderstorm came through and it poured down rain all morning. The storm and low visibility caused the swim portion to be cancelled, effectively making the race a duathlon--my first! But the timing was terrible as I suddenly had to run eight miles when I'd only prepared for five. I got my seat handed to me on the run portions, but handed it back again on the bike so, overall, a wash. Literally. Nothing like racing in the rain, fish-tailing down steep hills and being soaked for six hours.

On a positive note, I took nine minutes off my time and finished 7th in my division.

But, I paid for it the next day . . . painful, inflamed foot and extremely sore muscles. Jury is out on weather I now have extensor tendonitis or possibly a metatarsal stress fracture. Once again, running will be put on hold . . .

About Me

My first triathlon was over a decade ago. It was a sprint distance and I raced on a mountain bike. I took a break from the sport to raise my children. When the baby turned two, I decided to rediscover my own interests again. Four years later, through equipment changes, injuries and the challenges of raising a family, I've set my sights on the Iron Man and would like to share the journey--however long and painful it may be. Hope you enjoy the blog and thanks for reading.